Types of College Degrees

Students who come out of college typically go to a four-year institution or a community college to transfer to universities.  There are a handful of degrees granted by colleges and universities that allow students to get jobs after graduating.  Many people have earned a high school diploma and have still been able to find a job.  With a degree from college, however, students are able to find higher-paying jobs with more advancement opportunities.  In fact, the value of higher education is considered to be more promising than just having a high school diploma. 

To earn a degree, you must attend school for a certain number of years and complete other requirements.  Below is a list of the various degrees offered by the majority of colleges and universities in the US and other countries.  It is important to note that a degree in one region may not qualify as the same degree in another country. It is also important to go to accredited schools in order for the degree to be valid.

• Certificate of Completion: This type of certificate is generally offered by two-year colleges, vocational schools, and some private colleges.  A certificate of completion can be obtained in a short amount of time such as a few months to a year.  Food service occupations, financial planning, real estate, and criminal justice are example of careers that require a certificate.
• Associate's Degree: An associate's degree, whether it be an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) generally requires a commitment of two years of study.  The first two years of certain four-year institutions can lead to an associate's.  Community colleges and universities offer associate's programs which allow people to get certain jobs.  Once an associate's degree is completed, a student may then earn a bachelor's degree.  Vocational programs or technological programs can lead to an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.).
• Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's, or baccalaureate, degree requires completion of a four or five year full-time program at a university or college.  This is equivalent to at least 120 credit units. Students most commonly earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A), Bachelor of Science (B.S), or a Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA).  Students who earn bachelor's degrees can pursue professional careers in various industries including business, engineering, journalism, art and design, computer systems, and other liberal studies.
• Master's Degree: A bachelor's degree is required in order for a student to purse a master's degree.  A master's degree, which is usually a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) are offered through a graduate program at a four-year university and offers a more specialized than a bachelor's degree.  A master's degree typically requires a student to complete a thesis project or obtain work experience in order to receive the degree.  A master's further prepares students for professional careers.  Law school, Business school and other fields offer master's programs.  Students receive more advanced knowledge of a field and advanced analytical as well as critical skills.
• Doctoral Degree: A doctoral degree is a professional degree offered to students through a university.  Some students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree can get admitted into a program right after the completion of a bachelor's degree.  The first few years are dedicated to completing the masters with a transition straight into a doctoral program.  The average length of time to complete a Doctoral Degree is five years but some can take up to ten years.  Students are required to write a publishable thesis, complete original research and finish a course of study.  Some of the most common doctoral degrees include the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Medicine (M.D).